A Kent golf course has been crowned England’s best – as several others in the county also made the top 100 list.
Royal St George’s in Sandwich came first in the rankings compiled by the National Club Golfer (NCG).
Royal St George’s in Sandwich was crowned the best golf course in the country. Picture: National Club Golfer
Compiled by a panel of golf experts, course raters and journalists, the guide assesses courses on their design, setting, conditioning, facilities and history to determine the rankings.
Royal St George’s has hosted the Open Championship 15 times since its establishment in 1887, becoming the first club outside Scotland to host the prestigious tournament in 1894.
According to NCG chairman, Dan Murphy, the historic course on the east Kent coast exudes “timeless elegance” and “sporting excellence”.
“Set against the backdrop of the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, Royal St George’s boasts a special setting alongside the English Channel,” he added.
Kent was also named the country’s best golfing county, with five other courses making the top 100.
The NCG said Royal St George’s in Sandwich exudes “timeless elegance” and “sporting excellence”. Picture: National Championship Golfer
Royal Cinque Ports in Deal formerly played host to the then Prince of Wales, later Edward VII. Picture: National Club Golfer
A short drive up the coast, Royal Cinque Ports in Deal claimed seventh place.
Judges described it as “certainly challenging and well maintained”.
It first opened in 1892, became an 18-hole course seven years later, and hosted its first Open Championship in 1909.
The venue was gifted its current name in 1949, with the then-Prince of Wales frequently playing here during his trips to Deal.
Prince’s in Sandwich rounded out the top 30, having hosted both The Open and Ladies British Open Championship over the years.
Prince’s Golf Club in Sandwich was the town’s second inclusion on the list. Picture: National Club Golfer
Littlestone Golf Club’s Championship Links in New Romney can welcome golfers all year round. Picture: National Club Golfer
Founded in 1906, it has undergone several post-war changes to create the “modern interpretation of links golf”.
Now it’s made up of three nine-hole courses, which experts say offer “both thrills and challenges for all golf enthusiasts”.
In 59th place was Littlestone Golf Club’s Championship Links in New Romney.
Judges said it was “another crackling links course in the region”.
They added: “Located in the southeast corner of England, the club benefits from a mild climate and superb playing conditions year-round, making it an exceptional venue for golf in all seasons.”
Knole Park in Sevenoaks played host to The Beatles for their Strawberry Fields video. Picture: National Club Golfer
Knole Park in Sevenoaks ranked 69th, though it’s better known for its musical royalty than its golfing prestige.
The course, nestled inside the Knole Park National Trust estate, famously hosted The Beatles as they wandered the fairways during their Strawberry Fields video.
NCG experts said Knole Park was filled with a unique charm, adding: “One cannot imagine this course existing anywhere but England.”
Rounding out Kent’s entries was Chart Hills in Biddenden near Tenterden, which claimed 94th place.
Opening in 1993, it’s one of the newer venues on the list but has already hosted the Ladies European Tour and the European Tour Qualifying School.
Knole Park in Sevenoaks played host to The Beatles for their Strawberry Fields video. Picture: National Club Golfer
Judges were impressed by the course designed by former world number one Nick Faldo at the height of his playing career.
They added: “The Ashford course delivers both quality and stunning design. Enthusiasts should watch this space in the years ahead.”
